Experience the Night Sky and Feel the Universe in Hoshino Village
On this tour, you’ll visit a star observatory distinguished by its twin domes housing Kyushu’s largest 100 cm reflecting telescope and a 65 cm reflecting telescope, where you can feel the mystery and vastness of the universe up close.
You’ll also enjoy a tea experience at the nearby facilities, featuring a variety of drinks and dishes made with Yame tea — a premium brand of green tea from the region.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Fukuoka airport
- I’ll pick you up at your preferred location, such as Fukuoka International Airport, Fukuoka Airport, or Hakata Station.
Lunch Time
I’ll take you to a restaurant where you can enjoy carefully crafted sushi and traditional Japanese dishes, all prepared by skilled chefs and offered at reasonable prices.
Visit Fukuchima Hachiman shrine
Visit Fukushima Hachiman Shrine, which has a 340-year history and is dedicated to success and victory.
Japanese Tea Experience
At the Tea Culture Museum, you can try making your own tea in a traditional way or grind matcha using a stone mill, offering a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture.
Check in at your accommodation
You’ll be escorted to your accommodation for the day to complete the check-in process before continuing the tour.
Hoshino Village Star Observatory
In Hoshino Village, known for its beautiful starry skies, you’ll enjoy stargazing with two types of reflecting telescopes, guided by a professional astronomy instructor.
Ending Point
I’ll take you to your accommodation. If you wish to spend more time stargazing, I can arrange your return transportation, and we’ll say goodbye at the observatory.
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
* Guide Fee
* Transportation fee (such as gasoline, highway tolls and parking fees)
* Accommodation fees
* meal expenses
* entrance fees
Tour Important Information
* This tour focuses on stargazing.
* The star observatory is closed on Tuesdays, so please plan your visit for another day of the week.
* The star observatory is available for telescope observation until 10:00 p.m., and after that, you can continue observing the night sky with the naked eye from the facility’s observation area.
* Please feel free to consult with me regarding adjustments to the guiding hours.
*Accommodation fees and meal expenses are not included in the tour price.
*Meals will be arranged based on your preferences, and I’ll take you to the most suitable place.
*Optional tours are also available upon request — please feel free to consult with me.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Tac K.
I was borne and raised in Fukuoka. I'm retired last year, and now slowly enjoying life. Before retireing, I work for IT related services for over 4 decades. My job roles were programmer, System Engineer, IT department Manager and IT project manager, additionally Internal Auditor. But, I feel it's a long time ago. I'm not a sporty person. I prefer reading books(Manga & novels) and listening music. Especially, I like Taiyou Matsumoto's commic & Tatsurou Yamashita's pop music. I also like outdoor activities like camping, jogging and chairing. Especially, enjoyning chairing. (Taking a folding chair and walk to the beach, which is 15 minutes away, and just relax.) I want to communicate with many people through the Japan as it is.
Reviews
Emily M.
“Fantastic Guide!”
We had an incredible experience with Tac as our guide in Kyushu. I wanted to do a really custom itinerary that I couldn’t find online, and after reaching out to several guides who said it wasn’t possible to do in a day, Tac was the only one who made it happen. Without me even asking, he created multiple route options based on my ideas, which made the itinerary even better. He went out of his way to meet us outside his usual area, was on time, thoughtful, and had everything printed and organized. He kept us perfectly on schedule so we could make it to our onsen in time for dinner, while still fitting everything in. What really stood out was how much he cared—he even secured hard-to-get boat tickets for us ahead of time, which would’ve been difficult for me to do from abroad. Thanks to his effort, we had one of the best days of our trip. I’d highly recommend Tac to anyone visiting Fukuoka or the Kyushu region.
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Tac K.
Thank you so much for your review. I also had a truly enjoyable day. What made me happiest was the moment when, on our way from Takachiho to Aso, I started worrying that the clouds might ruin the beautiful panoramic view at Daikanbo — but as we got closer, the sky cleared up, and you were able to enjoy the beautiful 360-degree panorama under bright sunshine. As you mentioned, it was a long-distance drive on the first day of a three-day weekend, and I was a little nervous because any heavy traffic could have easily thrown off our schedule. But in the end, I was happy to see both of you enjoying Takachiho, including the boat ride, and we arrived at Kurokawa Onsen with time to spare — I felt such a sense of relief at that moment. Throughout the tour, I was truly touched by how calm, thoughtful, and kind both of you were, and I returned home feeling truly fulfilled and grateful for the day we spent together. It was a pleasure spending the day with you, and I truly appreciate the wonderful time we shared.
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Claude K.
“*Custom Tour* - Totally Satisfied!”
Tac was a very conscientious guide and host. I requested a custom tour to attend a Japan Series SoftBank Hawks game at the PayPay Dome. Being from the USA, I was unable to personally purchase tickets and they sold pretty quickly. I negotiated with Tac to purchase tickets as well has have him guide me for the game. He was always very prompt with his communications. He not only acquired tickets for the both of us, he took the initiative to attend the pregame practice session! On my request he built a schedule that included the Oh Sadaharu Baseball Museum at the adjacent E-ZO Boss facility. He even helped me buy some over-the-counter sleep aids to help my jet lag. As for the game, he made sure I was comfortable throughout the game. Because it was a baseball game, he prepared a Player Stats and seating guide package for me! After the game, he guided me to the right train station in the dark after 10 pm. Even if I started out hiring a ticket broker and guide, I ended up attending the game with a friend. On the general side, he gave thoughtful commentary and answered my questions with clarity and confidence. His command of English is very good. Tac is very willing to please and does so! I will hire him again the next time I visit Fukuoka.
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Tac K.
Thank you for your heartfelt message. The time we spent together was truly enjoyable for me. Through Claude, I was able to sense the vastness of America—a blend of sincerity, strength, and kindness—that I have not yet had the chance to visit myself. Looking back, there were several moments where I wish I could have done more as a guide, but I feel that this experience will help me become an even better one. I would be delighted to accompany you again next time. Thank you once again.
$451/ per group
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